2003 Dodge Stratus Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 20%of 75 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Dodge Stratus, 20% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“About two months ago the upper ball joint in my 2003 Dodge Stratus vehicle broke while my boyfriend was driving. We replaced that part, and the car was running fairly normal until this morning when the right rear tire folded in just like last time, the ball joint from that tire malfunctioned again.”
NHTSA complaint #10339922, filed 2010-06, 125,527 miles“Ball joints and control arms recall. They failed as I was driving on the highway causing me to complete an almost 1,000 dollar repair for replacements.”
NHTSA complaint #10850750, filed 2016-03, 110,900 miles“The rear strut mounts on our 2003 Dodge Stratus are made of a pot type metal. The car has mid 30k miles and the strut mounts are corroded to the point they fell apart. The shock was actually bound up in the middle of the spring. This fortunately was caught by my wife. This is a safety hazard and could result in an out of control situation. Strut could dig into tire. Car can fall on it's own suspension. How can you control a car if it is on an unstable platform?”
NHTSA complaint #10230966, filed 2008-06, 38,388 miles“After having my transmission lines repaired due to a leak I decided to take my car out on a test drive on the highway. Well coming into town I began to slow down from 65 MPH to 55 MPH when all of a sudden my car began to accelerate rapidly. The brakes would not slow it down. The check engine light came on. Fearing for my life I began to gently pull the emergency break which slowed me down to about 20 MPH in which I took a turn into a parking lot. When I finally got the car stopped it jerked forward and the engine revved up to approx 600,000 rpms. …”
NHTSA complaint #10147395, filed 2006-01, 48,306 miles“Dt: the contact stated while driving felt a slight bump while turning the wheels. He took the vehicle to a dealership, where they found it was the right side lower ball joints that where worn out. Repairs will be made at the contact's expense.”
NHTSA complaint #10144701, filed 2005-12, 29,800 milesSuspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 23 | 31% |
| 2005 | 18 | 29% |
| 2004 | 38 | 26% |
| 2003 | 15 | 20% |
| 2002 | 31 | 21% |
| 2001 | 41 | 22% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 4% |
| 1998 | 17 | 6% |
| 1997 | 19 | 5% |
| 1996 | 32 | 6% |
| 1995 | 24 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2003 Dodge Stratus
15 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Dodge Stratus
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology